Plastic projects map: Data Sources and Collection Methodology

This platform compiles information on projects addressing marine plastic litter from a range of partner organizations and internal sources. The objective is to provide a transparent, structured, and regularly updated overview of

regional and national initiatives addressing marine plastic pollution.

Data is sourced through a combination of internal reporting, automated data feeds, and manual research. Each source follows a specific collection method, as detailed below.

Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat)

Source type: Internal data

Projects from the BRS Secretariat constitute the platform’s core dataset. These entries are reported directly through Secretariat-led initiatives and partnerships and reviewed and validated prior to publication.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Source type: Automatic data feed (keyword-based)Project data from UNDP is integrated through an automated data feed from the UNDP Transparency Portal, using the keyword “plastic”. This mechanism enables the regular identification and retrieval of relevant projects, which are automatically incorporated into the platform on a daily basis.More information on the UNDP Transparency Portal: https://open.undp.org/about-us/open

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Source type: Automatic data feed (keyword-based)Project data from IUCN is integrated through an automated data feed from the IUCN Open Project Portal, using the keyword “plastic”. This mechanism enables the regular identification and retrieval of relevant projects, which are automatically incorporated into the platform on a daily basis.More information on the IUCN Open Project Portal: https://open.iucn.org/about-us

World Bank Group

Source type: Automatic data feed (keyword-based)Project data from World Bank Group is integrated through an automated data feed from the World Bank Group projects list, using the keyword “plastic”. This mechanism enables the regular identification and retrieval of relevant projects, which are automatically incorporated into the platform on a daily basis.More information on the World Bank Group projects list: https://projects.worldbank.org/

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Source type: Manually collectedUNIDO projects are identified through manual review, and selected based on relevance to marine plastic litter. Information is extracted from UNIDO Compass, which is the UNIDO programmes and projects database, and entries are standardized before integration into the platform.More information on UNIDO Compass: https://compass.unido.org/about

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Source type: Manually collectedUNCTAD projects on plastic marine litter are identified through manual review of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme, contributing to tackling marine plastic litter by focusing on reducing plastic pollution upstream, particularly in manufacturing sectors in developing countries. Information on SMEP initiatives related to plastic is extracted from the SMEP website, and entries are standardized before integration into the platform.More information on UNCTAD SMEP Programme: https://www.smepprogramme.org/

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Source type: Manually collectedUNEP projects are curated through manual data collection. Relevant initiatives are identified across UNEP programmes and reports, and information is extracted from public sources. Entries are then reviewed to ensure relevance and consistency, and standardized before integration into the platform.More information on UNEP relevant sources: https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean-seas-and-coasts/regional-seas-programme - https://www.unep.org/gef/projects

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Source type: Manually collectedGEF projects are identified through manual review, and selected based on relevance to marine plastic litter. Information is extracted from the GEF Project Database, and entries are standardized before integration into the platform.More information on the GEF Project Database: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/database

Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM)

Source type: Manually collectedFFEM projects are identified through manual review, and selected based on relevance to marine plastic litter. Information is extracted from FFEM’s official projects list, and entries are standardized before integration into the platform.More information on FFEM project list: https://www.ffem.fr/en/projects/list

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Source type: Manually collectedIMO projects on plastic marine litter are identified through manual review of the OceanLitter Programme, jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This programme supports developing countries in identifying opportunities for the prevention and reduction of marine plastic litter from sea-based sources. Information on OceanLitter Programme projects is extracted from the OceanLitter website, and entries are standardized before integration into the platform.More information on the OceanLitter Programme: https://oceanlitter.imo.org/about

Standardization

Data is harmonized into a unified structure, including:

  • Project title and description
  • Timeframe
  • Budget (in USD)
  • Geographic coverage
  • Thematic focus
  • Implementing and funding entities

Quality Control

Entries are reviewed to eliminate duplicates and ensure consistency and accuracy

Updating

Automated sources are refreshed daily.Manually collected data is reviewed and updated on a regular basis

Limitations

While efforts are made to ensure completeness and accuracy, coverage depends on the availability and accessibility of source data. Furthermore, keyword-based feeds may not capture all relevant projects, and manually collected data may be subject to update delays.Therefore, users are encouraged to consult the original sources for the most detailed and up-to-date information.

Contact

To suggest additions or corrections, please contact: claire.morel@un.org